LONDON, England — November 6, 2023 — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is exhibiting at World Travel Market (WTM) London, November, 6 to 8, 2023, with a delegation led by the Director General, Latia Duncombe.
For more than 40 years, WTM has been the most influential travel and tourism event in the world, welcoming over 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions. Participating in this prestigious event marks a significant milestone in BMOTIA’s ongoing commitment to promoting The Bahamas as a top travel destination. Also representing the islands of The Bahamas and collaborating with the Ministry are key stakeholders, including, Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Majestic Holidays, Atlantis Paradise Island, Margaritaville Beach Resort and British Colonial.
With tourism to the 16 unique island destinations booming, the BMOTIA team is looking ahead to an even more successful 2024, with a strengthened tourism product and exciting investment developments in the works. Exhibiting at stand S3-410, the team is engaging in discussions about the latest developments throughout the islands. Media and trade partners in attendance are among the first to hear updates from The Bahamas, including new hotels, tourism developments and areas of investment for the year ahead.
THE BAHAMAS’ TOURISM BOOM
In the period January-September 2023, The Bahamas welcomed a record number of visitors (7.2 million) to its isles, positively surpassing 2022’s numbers by 50.4% and outpacing the same period in 2019 by 33%, previously regarded as The Bahamas’ banner year for tourism. The country is on target to welcome more than 8 million visitors this year.
Foreign air arrivals, which include stopovers and day visitors, are up 21% the same period in 2022 and stopover visitors through September are just shy of the total number of stopover visitors for the same period of 2019.
Cruise arrivals have achieved impressive growth this year, with a 61% uplift seen in January to September 2023, compared to 2022. This is owed to the cruise industry’s strong resurgence and the island destination is set to attract more visitors in coming years with the announcement of Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive cruise port destination. Itineraries to “Celebration Key” opened in September 2023, and plans are in place to welcome travellers in July 2025.
This announcement, as well as the positive increase in visitors this year signals continued developments underway on Grand Bahama Island, to establish the destination as the home of events and entertainment in The Bahamas.
In the UK, the number of visitors to The Bahamas grew by 21% in the first three quarters of 2023 (January to September), when compared to the same period in 2022.
CELEBRATE THE BAHAMAS’ 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
The Bahamas continues to celebrate its 50th year of independence following the official festivities this summer, 10thJuly. Visitors to the WTM stand can join in anniversary jubilations and enjoy a taste of The Bahamas. Events will be taking place from 5pm on Monday, 6th November, 2pm on Tuesday, 7th November and 12pm on Wednesday, 8thNovember.
THE BAHAMAS BOLSTERS BURGEONING CRUISE INDUSTRY WITH NEW NASSAU CRUISE TERMINAL
After three years of construction, the reimagined Nassau Cruise Port opened its doors in May 2023 to cruisers sailing to Nassau, the vibrant capital city of the archipelago. Featuring a sixth berth and new terminal building, the revitalised port is now home to a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, a 3,500-seat amphitheatre, a living coral exhibit, local stores and new food and beverage facilities.
UK passengers also have the choice of daily flights each week with British Airways and three with Virgin Atlantic, taking them directly to Nassau, the gateway to The Islands of The Bahamas.
THE ICONIC BRITISH COLONIAL HOTEL IS SET TO REOPEN
Following its closure in 2021, The Bahamas is delighted to welcome back the legendary British Colonial Hotel to its accommodations stock in Nassau, New Providence Island.
With a complete transformation to the property, the British Colonial will reopen in December 2023, showcasing a redesign of all guest rooms, public spaces, amenities and onsite programmes. An exciting time for Nassau, the boutique property has been a key part of the Nassau hotel scene for over 100 years and is set to once again welcome guests to enjoy its relaxed luxury in the heart of Bay Street.
Near some of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in Downtown Nassau, such as Parliament Square, Government House, Educulture Junkanoo Museum and Nassau Cruise Port, British Colonial will comprise 288 rooms, including 25 signature suites, seven food and drink outlets, two-beach-facing swimming pools, all situated on a 300-foot private white sand beach.
Before leaving Nassau, Director General at BMOTIA Latia Duncombe commented: “I’m very much looking forward to leading the Bahamian delegation to WTM 2023 for the second consecutive year, along with esteemed colleagues in the Ministry. This event presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our global partnerships and highlight the unique experiences our 16 beautiful island destinations have to offer.
“This year we’ve had much to celebrate, most notably our 50th anniversary of independence. Bahamians and holidaymakers alike have had, and continue to have the opportunity to participate in festivities on every island through our unique programme of activities, which will run until July 2024. From our signature Junkanoo parades to official state receptions and community outreach initiatives, the anniversary has been an excellent opportunity for us to appreciate our past, enjoy our present and look forward to our nation’s exciting future.
“The Bahamas is going from strength to strength, and I’m so pleased to be a part of this new era for the destination. With record numbers of visitors and amazing developments across the islands, it is truly an exciting time to be Bahamian and watch as the world learns more about our people, history and culture.”
Find out more about The Islands of The Bahamas, here: www.bahamas.com
